FAQs

Who Lives in CHAD housing?

Our typical residents are hardworking individuals and families, senior citizens, disabled persons and veterans who are struggling to support themselves. Prior to renting from CHAD, our applicants may be spending a greater portion of their income on housing than what they can reasonably afford. The majority of our residents receive no public assistance.

Who is eligible to rent from CHAD?

CHAD offers affordable housing options to individuals and families whose income falls between $26,000 and $47,000. However, we also accept individuals and families who earn less than $26,000 and who are supported either by participating social service agencies or by government assistance (Housing Choice Voucher program).

What is the most I can earn and still be eligible for housing?

In keeping with CHAD's mission, income may NOT exceed 120% of the Area Median Income. However, in instances where a particular property has been acquired and/or rehabbed with federal grant funding, then the property may be further restricted to low income households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income. Income guidelines for grant restricted properties are based on federal guidelines from the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). Approximately 50% of CHAD’s housing inventory is income restricted. Applicants are advised to consult with a CHAD property manager regarding income eligibility restrictions for specific properties.

What is Area Median Income?

Area Median Income is the midpoint income for the Chicago area. It is determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and means that half of the people in the Chicago area earn more than the median and half of the people earn less. CHAD uses these levels to set income limits for affordable housing eligibility.

The base AMI is estimated to be for an average family of four (4) persons. The maximum income by family size is then adjusted by a percentage determined by HUD. The 2014 AMI for the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville HUD Metro Fair Market Rent Area, which includes DuPage, Kane, Will and Cook counties, is $72,400 for a family of 4 persons.

How much will my rent be?

For Income Restricted Properties: CHAD bases rents for income restricted properties according to HUD’s “Fair Market” Rent Rates, which are determined by HUD to be the cost of modest, non-luxury rental units in a specific market area. Rents vary by unit size and income limits. The HUD rents are lower than ”market rents” offered by landlords in the private rental market.

For Income Unrestricted Properties: CHAD bases rents for income unrestricted properties on market rents offered by private landlords for similar properties located in the vicinity of CHAD properties. The rent rates are adjusted to be 25-50% less than the market rents offered by private landlords, depending on the size, type and location of the housing unit. Generally, the rent rates may be similar to HUD’s ‘fair market” rent rates for rent restricted properties. Rents are adjusted on an annual basis based on a community rent survey.

Could my rent change during my annual lease term?

No. Rent remains the same throughout your annual lease term. It may, however, change at lease renewal.

Does CHAD give priority for housing eligibility to any particular groups?

No, all applications are considered equally on a first come, first served basis, by submission date.

CHAD is an equal opportunity housing provider. We fully comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act. We do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. We also comply with all state and local fair housing laws.

What Type of Properties are Available?

CHAD owns, leases and manages a variety of housing options, including apartments, duplexes, townhomes, and single family homes. To date, we have 282 apartments, 10 duplexes, 48 townhomes and 56 single family homes.

Where are CHAD’s properties located?

CHAD’s properties are located in 30 communities primarily in DuPage and Kane counties in Illinois. We also have some properties in portions of northern Will and western Cook counties. Most recently, CHAD has been acquiring properties to rent in the city of Aurora, IL.

Is there a Wait List for any specific properties?

Our list of vacant properties changes regularly as does our wait list. Please check the website to get a status update on the availability of properties. Currently, CHAD maintains a wait list sorted by bedroom size. A completed and accepted application is required prior to being placed on the wait list.

How do I rent from CHAD?

First: All applicants should review the available properties on the website to see if a particular housing option is available in your desired community with the appropriate number of bedrooms. Our property list changes daily so we recommend that you visit the website frequently for updates. Rental options are also posted on Craigslist.Second: If you see a listing which meets your family criteria, please download the application from our website; once completed you can schedule a screening appointment to bring it to our office, along with a $25 non-refundable application fee for each adult applicant over the age of 18.Third: CHAD’s housing staff will review each application and conduct an income qualifying evaluation, as well as credit history, rental reference and criminal background checks.Fourth: CHAD’s housing staff will contact qualifying applicants to schedule an appointment at our Wheaton office. Please refer to the office address and office hours posted below.

What “income” sources are considered for CHAD housing qualification?

CHAD will consider income from the following sources: earnings from employment, social security income, disability income, maintenance (alimony), retirement income from pension funds and/or IRA funds and any other recurring sources of income. Please refer to Admissions Criteria for detailed information.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, all applicants must pay a $25 application fee for each adult over the age of 18 who intends to reside in the property. The application fee is due at the time of application and is non-refundable. Payment can be made by credit card using our online services or by money order or cashiers check. We do not accept cash or personal checks.

What information is needed for the initial interview with CHAD housing staff?

Please bring with you the following items:

Application fee of $25 payable to CHAD for each adult over the age of 18.

Social Security Card for every adult living in the property or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

Proof of Income (last 90 days of paystubs for all working adults)

State Drivers License of Picture ID or US Government issued ID (Passport).

Do we subsidize rents?

No. CHAD does not subsidize rents. Rather, we offer below market rent for all of our properties to qualified applicants. The below market rent is established annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Applicants must still income qualify in order to be accepted into CHAD housing at the below market rent.

Do we accept Housing Choice Vouchers?

Yes. CHAD accepts Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly known as Section 8) and HUD-VASH Vouchers (for veterans) that are offered by the DuPage Housing Authority, Kane County Housing Authority, Will County Housing Authority and the City of Aurora. CHAD does NOT issue Housing Choice Vouchers.

How long can I rent from CHAD?

CHAD leases are on a yearly basis. CHAD offers permanent housing solutions and does not impose any time limits. As long as our clients continue to meet income eligibility requirements, are respectful of the property and are good neighbors, they may rent for as long as they would like to.

Do we charge a Unit Hold Deposit for a specific property?

Yes, there is a non-refundable $250 Unit Hold Deposit from the Applicant in consdieration for CHAD's agreement to take the specified unit off of the rental market. The Unit Hold Deposit is due at the time of the showing of the unit. Upon receipt of the Unit Hold Deposit, the unit will be taken off the rental market and reserved for the Applicant for seventy-two (72) hours. CHAD will not advertise the unit nor continue to show the unit to other prospective applicants for housing. During that 72 hour period, the Applicant must schedule and complete the lease signing process. Once the Applicant signs a rental lease, CHAD will apply the Unit Hold Deposit to the Security Deposit.

If the Applicant chooses not to enter into a lease agreement within the 72 hour period, CHAD shall retain the Unit Hold Deposit as "lost rental damages" to cover the lost opportunity to rent the unit and place it back on the rental market.

Payment may be made by credit card using our online services or in person using a Money Order or Cashier’s Check. We do not accept cash or personal checks.

Do We Charge a Security Deposit?

Yes, CHAD charges a security deposit that can range from 1 to 2 months’ rent, depending on adverse factors, such as collections, affecting your credit history. Payment may be made by a Credit Card using our online services or in person using a Money Order or Cashier’s Check. We do not accept cash or personal checks.

Do we have a pet policy?

Yes. Please refer to our Pet Rules and Regulations under the Applicant Resources tab on the website. PLEASE NOTE: Some properties owned by CHAD that are part of an association will under no circumstances accept any pets.

Can I view an available property before applying?

No. You need to apply and be approved to rent before we can schedule a unit showing.

What do I need for move-in day?

The balance of the security deposit, pet fee (if applicable) and the first months' rent are required. These fees and the rent may be paid by credit card using our online services or by money order or cashiers check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

How do I pay my rent?

Residents can select from the following options to pay their monthly rent:

In person during business hours (Wheaton office)

Rent Drop Box (Wheaton office)

Money order or Cashiers Check

Credit Card via our online payment services

Who maintains the properties?

CHAD maintains its own properties and has staff on hand to assist with any maintenance issues or problems pertaining to a specific property.

From the community

“I am very thankful to be a CHAD resident! When I needed an apartment the most, CHAD was there to fill my housing need. I will always be thankful for CHAD! I thank God every day this organization exists to do the wonderful work it does every day, and to provide housing for so many.”